Lions Roar into New Zealand
Whether you are a rugby fan or not you will be fascinated by New Zealand a beautiful island the size of the UK but with only 4 million people. Read some interesting facts about New Zealand.
(PRWEB) June 10, 2005 -- One of the highlights of the sporting calendar has kicked off this month, as the British and Irish Lions rugby team does battles the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand.
The Lions only tour once every four years. It is always a special occasion and captures the attention and imagination of rugby fans all over the world. Clive Woodward and his troops have already arrived in New Zealand, but the serious business of the test matches does not get under way until towards the end of June. The three matches will take place at Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
Global Holidays (http://www.globalholidays.co.uk) the United Kingdom online travel agent has compiled some interesting information about New Zealand. Director of Global Holidays, David Brice, has compiled the following fact file, and he adds: "New Zealand has always been an amazing place to visit, and since Lord of the Rings," the islands have benefited considerably. Now, with the Lions rugby team visiting, New Zealands profile is raised once again".
New Zealand is guaranteed to prove a hospitable venue for players and fans alike. It has a marginally larger land area than the United Kingdom, but its population is just 4 million. As a result, the country is delightfully tranquil, with mile after mile of impressive coastline, mountain ranges and fiords to take the breath away.
There are 14 national parks and 19 forest parks, containing a wide variety of untouched landscape and vegetation. More than 5 million hectares - a third of New Zealand - are protected in parks and reserves.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is found at the southern tip of the North Island, and boasts a beautiful harbor. It is also small in size, just two kilometers wide, so it is easy for tourists to explore on foot.
Wellington is considered to be the arts and culture centre of New Zealand, and the Te Papa, situated on the waterfront, is the national museum. The city is surrounded by beautiful green hills and it is possible to talk walking tours and coach tours to explore the surroundings more fully. The top of Mount Victoria provides stunning views across the city.
Wine enthusiasts will content themselves with trips to the country's top wine regions, such as Marlborough and Wairarapa, both within range of Wellington. A more recent tourist development is the Lord of the Rings" tour, which allows you to visit the locations that were used during the epic film trilogy.
Auckland, situated towards the north of the North Island, is fondly known as the City of Sails. The city is a launch pad to explore so much. Within half an hour, you can reach beautiful beaches, walking trails or holiday islands, or content yourself with the city harbours, fine restaurants and Maori culture.
You can go up the impressive Sky Tower, 328 meters high, for stunning views of the city, and you can even enjoy a spot of dinner up there too. A visit to the National Maritime museum is worthwhile, or you can learn more about the city at the Auckland Museum. Music lovers can also check out the Joshua tree that inspired the naming of the famous U2 album.
Christchurch, on the South Island, is another city where there is plenty to do to satisfy most tastes. For those seeking to do something more on the relaxing side, you can visit thermal pools, punt down the river, go hot-air ballooning or enjoy the wealth of culture and wildlife on offer.
But if it is action you are after, then you will not be disappointed. You can take your pick from adrenaline activities such as jet-boating, white water rafting, skydiving, bungee jumping, or in the winter skiing and snowboarding.
Elsewhere on the South Island, the Southern Alps provide a number of glaciers, the biggest being the Tasman glacier, visible by making the short walk from Mount Cook village. The most famous glaciers are the Franz Josef and Fox, on the West Coast. They are easily accessible to walkers and mountaineers, and quite spectacular
The Fiordland area, in the south-west of the South Island, is another example of stunning natural beauty. Hundreds of lakes fill the landscape, including Lake Hauroko which is 462m deep. There are 14 fiords, running from Milford Sound in the north to Preservation Inlet in the south. The most popular for tourists are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
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In total, New Zealand has some 15,000 kilometers of varied coastline. The north of the South Island has some great beaches, while the coastline around the rest of the South Island tends to be wilder. Views from the coastal road are superb, a visual treat waiting around every headland.
Global Holidays has been trading since 1996 and has become a leading online travel agency offering cheap flights and bargain holidays. Their holiday database has over 12 million discount holidays in it and they can also provide tailor-made holidays to most destinations in the world. They can be contacted on +44 113 258222 or online at http://www.globalholidays.co.uk
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